Shawntae Spencer was used to being an integral part of the San Francisco 49ers, but when the cornerback suffered an injury shortly after new head coach Jim Harbaugh arrived in town, he found himself watching most of the Niners' amazing 2011 run from the sidelines. Now that Spencer has signed with East Bay rivals the Oakland Raiders, you would think he would be playing angry and looking to make a statement against his old team. Spencer insists, however, that there are no hard feelings.
Vittorio Tafur of SFGate.com recently spoke to Spencer in a phone interview and relayed some comments from one of the newest Raiders.
"It's a fresh start," Spencer said. "I don't have a chip on my shoulder. I just love football. Love playing it. To have it taken away from you is very tough ... and now I have a chance to enjoy what I do again. It's a blank piece of paper and I want to start writing again."
It's great that Spencer is looking toward the future and making the best of his departure from the Niners -- an end to his tenure in San Francisco that was certainly not what the player expected. Spencer will have plenty of supporters on both sides of the Bay wishing for him to do well in 2012.
For all news and information regarding the Oakland Raiders, please visit Silver and Black Pride. For updates and perspective on the San Francisco 49ers, head on over to Niners Nation.